#India #pediatric cancer #Chennai #Hyundai Motor #IIT Madras

IIT Madras Partners with Hyundai for a New Pediatric Cancer Initiative

In a groundbreaking collaboration, the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) has announced a partnership with Hyundai Motor India Foundation (HMIF) to launch 'Hyundai Hope for Cancer'. This initiative aims to transform the landscape of pediatric cancer care in India, marking a significant milestone in the fight against cancer among children.

A Financial Commitment to Change Lives

The partnership comes with a substantial financial backing, with HMIF pledging a remarkable sum of INR 56 Crore for this multi-year initiative. The funding is intended to bolster the efforts of this revolutionary program, which resonates with Hyundai’s global commitment to supporting children battling cancer through similar programs worldwide.

At the heart of this endeavor is the establishment of the Hyundai Centre for Cancer Genomics, located at IIT Madras. This center will serve as a collaborative environment, bringing together clinicians, researchers, and pharmaceutical scientists not only from India but also from global partners. Its mission will be to contribute significantly to international efforts in cancer research, including initiatives from the International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) and the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).

Cutting-edge Research in Genomics

The newly launched center will focus on genomic sequencing, facilitating the identification of genetic mutations. This pioneering step aims to create a national pediatric cancer genome database and develop personalized treatment protocols tailored to the needs of individual patients. Additionally, the center is set to feature India’s first community-based Cancer Tissue Biobank, which will empower advanced genomic research, particularly in pediatric leukaemia and lymphoma.

Ensuring Equitable Access to Treatment

The initiative is not just about research; it focuses on real-world impacts as well. HMIF has established a Cancer Care Fund with a dedicated investment of INR 3 Crore to ensure that economically disadvantaged patients have equitable access to treatment. This comprehensive approach ensures that the most vulnerable children receive the necessary care, regardless of their socio-economic status.

Prof. S. Mahalingam from the Department of Biotechnology at IIT Madras is steering this revolutionary project. The center aims to achieve several key objectives:

• - Collect and sequence over 1,600 samples to boost research efforts.
• - Provide free treatment for 30-50 children, giving them hope and care amidst their struggles.
• - Upskill more than 100 technicians in the field of genomics, ensuring a skilled workforce ready to tackle the challenges of pediatric cancer.
• - Deploy Mobile Medical Units to reach underserved communities, expanding healthcare access for those who need it the most.

A Call to Action

Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, the Hon'ble Education Minister of India, emphasized the importance of initiatives like this in a message for the launch event, stating, "By building an Indian childhood cancer genomic database, strengthening early detection and screening, and expanding access for underserved communities, the program exemplifies 'Sabka Prayas' in action. It reaffirms our commitment to equitable, technology-enabled healthcare."

He encouraged researchers, clinicians, and innovators across the nation to unite through this platform, aiming to bring hope, precision care, and improved survival rates to every child in need. This partnership is not just a step towards improving pediatric cancer care in India; it symbolizes a collective effort to ensure that every child, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to receive the best possible treatment.

In conclusion, the collaboration between IIT Madras and Hyundai Motor India stands as a beacon of hope for many families affected by pediatric cancer. Through innovative research, financial commitment, and a dedicated focus on community health, both organizations are poised to make a profound impact on children's lives across the nation.